Technology
Last updated
Last updated
Research shows that there has been a 60-70% increase in remote meetings since the start of the pandemic (27).
With an increase of spaces to meet online, it is important to consider how this shift has affected student/school relationships, especially in meetings. A survey of 500 professionals and parents by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory found that there is a divide between the experiences of school staff versus those of parents (28). Nearly half of the professionals felt that online meetings were better than in-person meetings whilst none of the parents said they preferred this method. It is worth considering how we might address what parents need, especially if this is the only option available to them.
How can we carry on meetings when the technology fails?
How do we create safe spaces to meet online?
How do you provide training to staff who feel less proficient when using technology?
Who decides which technology to use?
Does this tech take into consideration the needs of those attending?
To help families feel seen and heard, it can be helpful to create as many spaces for shared collaboration as possible.
Shared documents allow multiple participants to contribute and show changes in real-time. Cloud systems allow for the easy sharing of information. Online polling platforms can gather information at any stage in the meeting process and online video meeting programmes help bring families together with staff, even when far apart.
(27) https://thinkremote.com/remote-meeting-increased-since-pandemic/
(28) https://www.nuffieldfjo.org.uk/news/concerns-parents-families-virtual-child-protection-conferences
